Congratulations mama! You just got the news that you’re pregnant with baby number two. How exciting! I know you probably have a ton of thoughts and questions racing through your mind like, “Am I REALLY ready for another baby?!” Or how about, “How do I prepare my family and home for baby number two?!”
They’re all reasonable questions. However, I want you to remember something. Remember that you probably felt unsure about some things during your first pregnancy, and guess what? YOU GOT THROUGH THEM! Here you are again, and yes, mama, YOU WILL GET THROUGH THIS TOO!
How to Prepare for Baby Number Two
To help ease some of those worries, I will share 10 ways to prepare for baby number two!
1. Remember, Pregnancy Is Hard Work!
There’s nothing easy about growing a baby inside of your body. Pair that with younger children at home to care for while possibly working or being a stay-at-home mom. Life has to go on, and you have to make that baby! Take some time to cherish this pregnancy. Take those bump photos & share the excitement with your partner and kids!
I know when I was expecting our second baby, I was taken by surprise with all these new symptoms I never dealt with the first time, such as:
- All-day nausea
- Heartburn early on
- Extreme fatigue
- Hip and pelvic pains by week 15
Although these things were far from enjoyable, I made time to reflect and try to enjoy the small moments in between while I could. Doing so really helped me remain positive even though it was easier to be sad and upset that I wasn’t feeling well. Give yourself some grace and patience during these tougher days.
2. Set Up Your Baby’s Nursery EARLY
The absolute last thing you want to do after baby is here is scrambling to put together their nursery while your other little still needs your time and attention. The solution? Get that baby nursery squared away as early as possible! This means setting up the crib, deciding on a nursery theme and decorating, attaching any big furniture to the wall, etc. Not to mention, if your first child will be moving rooms or sleeping in a new place after the baby is born, you’ll also want to give them time to transition to their new sleeping environment.
3. Prepare Time and Activities to Help Your Oldest Feel Needed
Don’t forget you’re not the only one who has to prepare for baby number two. You will inevitably deal with jealousy at some point after bringing your new baby home. Imagine being someone’s center of attention and having it taken away in the blink of an eye. Imagine being a child who also doesn’t understand why it’s happening. It’s important not to yank that carpet of attention out from under them. Instead, plan out ways to make them feel needed, even after your new baby arrives!
For young toddlers, give them a role or a job. Toddlers (well, most kids) LOVE to help you! They want to help their mommy and make her happy, so don’t be afraid to get them involved in some of the day-to-day tasks!
For older toddlers/preschoolers, involve them in preparation for baby! Show them some decorations (this or that) and let them decide! Older children enjoy feeling empowered, like they made an impact. So, finding ways to encourage it can help them build excitement for their new sibling!
For any children, don’t forget to make time for them. It will be very easy to get caught up in the newborn stage all over again. Except for this time, you need to keep your first child’s feelings and needs in mind.
Make some time to plan dates with your little one while your partner stays home with the baby. This could be a quick little lunch, playdate, or even a little mom-and-child time doing whatever they want.
4. Explore Fun Things to Do Before Baby Arrives
It’s only a matter of time before your little family has a new addition. What better way to cherish these moments than to find fun ways to spend them with one another! Some fun activities you could do as a family before your new baby arrives include:
- Getting family photographs
- Scheduling a family mini-vacation
- Schedule a family night at home once a week (playing games, baking cookies, etc.)
- Go camping (you can even do this in your backyard!)
- Stay up late past bedtime together
5. Prepare Some Freezer Meals Before Baby Arrives
I hate cooking. The absolute LAST thing I wanted to think about after our baby was born was trying to scrap together and cook last-minute meals. Instead, I spent a couple of days making easy freezer meals that I could plop into the microwave or crockpot, warm it up, and be good to eat! If it’s easy, you’re speakin’ my language!
If you aren’t sure what to make, here are some ideas:
- Eggs, turkey sausage, and cheese breakfast burritos
- Homemade pancakes
- Homemade waffles
- Breakfast quesadillas (eggs, cheese, potatoes, and tortilla)
- Lunchtime quesadillas (ingredients of choice)
- Fruit salad (awesome for snacking in between meals!)
- Enchiladas (ingredients of choice)
- Protein bowls (rice, protein source, chopped veggies)
6. Make Time to Deep Clean Your Home
Who needs more chores while transitioning to life with two kids?! Find some time to deep clean your home (or ask a friend to help you if needed!). I’m talking about scrubbing those carpets, steam cleaning hard floors, disinfecting countertops, etc.
If you have pets, count them in and take them to the groomer 1-2 weeks before your due date! You will feel so much better bringing your baby home to a nice, clean home! Plus, it’s one less thing to take off your and your partner’s plate!
7. Prepare to Have Childcare Lined up for Your First Child if Needed
One thing that often gets overlooked when preparing for baby number two is who will watch over the first child. Most parents go into it and get hit with a ton of overwhelm as they try to balance life with a newborn and continue life as they know it with their firstborn. But sometimes, it’s okay to ask a friend or family member to step in for a day of fun with your firstborn to give you a break!
Plus, they can also get overwhelmed with all the new baby stuff! Think about the newborn appointments, postpartum checkups, etc. What kid wants to be lugged around to appointments all day? Even if you don’t plan to use or rely on childcare, it always helps to have a plan in place, JUST IN CASE you need it.
8. Find Some Books to Read About Baby Care and Being a Sibling With Your First Child
Taking an honest approach to help prepare them as a big sibling will be very important in easing the transition. I’ve seen some really great books, such as You’re the Biggest by Lucy Tapper and My New Baby by Rachel Fuller. Reading books about becoming a big brother or sister is an excellent way to start laying the foundation for your child that they’re about to be promoted to a big sibling!
If you want to step it up a notch, bring them to your next prenatal appointment! Allow them to ask questions, listen to your baby’s heartbeat, or watch the ultrasound.
9. Stock up on Household Essentials!
Unless you have Amazon Prime on lockdown, having all your household essentials stocked up will be so helpful to minimize any errands after you bring home baby number two!
Household essentials we loaded up on were:
- Toilet Paper
- Paper Towels
- Laundry Detergent (both baby and our own)
- Fabric Softener
- Dry dog food (don’t forget about your pets!)
- Snacks
- Non-perishable foods (pasta, beans, sauces, etc.)
- Trash bags
- Cleaning supplies
- Beauty products (face wash, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, etc.)
10. Take Another Prenatal Class!
Whether or not you took a prenatal class the first time, you won’t want to skip it this time! Maybe you want to try a different birth plan (unmedicated vs. epidural vs. home birth, etc.), or perhaps you plan to have more people in the room with you this time around. Getting yourself and your partner mentally prepared for the big day will alleviate some of your birth worries and get you two on the same page before the big day!
There you have it, mama! Although you’ve been there and done that, I’m sure you probably remember that NOTHING related to birth ever goes 100% to plan. Knowing that and taking these steps to prepare for baby number two will set you up to take on anything!
